Saluki
Housing
Outdoor
Salukis are very energetic and owners must be prepared for this with adequate space for exercise and a fenced in yard. A minimum yard area of 300 to 400 lateral feet is recommended by breeders; however, the larger, the better (Saluki Club of America). Off-leashed salukis cannot be trusted to remain close to the house or owner (Saluki Club of America). When they feel the freedom, they will take advantage of it by exercising and running to their delight. This is proven by the death statistics of this breed, where the number one cause of death is being hit by a moving vehicle (Saluki Club of America).
Owners are strongly encouraged to fence in their yard with a minimum height of five feet, as salukis are excellent at leaping over fences (Saluki Club of America). An electric fence will not provide the same protection as land fences because of the salukis speed allowing them to run past the electric shock without turning back (Saluki Club of America). Simply put, a large fenced in yard will make the experience of owning a saluki much less stressful on the owner.
Salukis are very energetic and owners must be prepared for this with adequate space for exercise and a fenced in yard. A minimum yard area of 300 to 400 lateral feet is recommended by breeders; however, the larger, the better (Saluki Club of America). Off-leashed salukis cannot be trusted to remain close to the house or owner (Saluki Club of America). When they feel the freedom, they will take advantage of it by exercising and running to their delight. This is proven by the death statistics of this breed, where the number one cause of death is being hit by a moving vehicle (Saluki Club of America).
Owners are strongly encouraged to fence in their yard with a minimum height of five feet, as salukis are excellent at leaping over fences (Saluki Club of America). An electric fence will not provide the same protection as land fences because of the salukis speed allowing them to run past the electric shock without turning back (Saluki Club of America). Simply put, a large fenced in yard will make the experience of owning a saluki much less stressful on the owner.
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Indoor
Salukis are not recommended for apartment living due to lack of space and yard for exercise. Salukis also require well cushioned dog beds, pillows or couches to lay and sleep on because of their lack of body fat (Saluki Club of America). Laying on a hard surface will simply take a toll on the dog’s joints, skin and coat. If owning salukis in cold climates such as Canada, warm beds and blankets for inside are ideal, as well as insulated coats and sweaters for walking and outside play. Salukis are not normally recommended as outdoor dogs because of their sensitivity to cool temperatures (Saluki Club of America).
Salukis are not recommended for apartment living due to lack of space and yard for exercise. Salukis also require well cushioned dog beds, pillows or couches to lay and sleep on because of their lack of body fat (Saluki Club of America). Laying on a hard surface will simply take a toll on the dog’s joints, skin and coat. If owning salukis in cold climates such as Canada, warm beds and blankets for inside are ideal, as well as insulated coats and sweaters for walking and outside play. Salukis are not normally recommended as outdoor dogs because of their sensitivity to cool temperatures (Saluki Club of America).
Feeding
Salukis eat and drink smaller amounts compared to other breeds, and may even periodically go into fasting mode (Taylor et al.). This explains their lean body stature, rather than the ill-informed “starving animal” assumption. They are adapted to Arabian life in the desert where food and water can often be scarce, and insulating body fat is unnecessary. This may seem like a positive to owning a Saluki; however, this also causes them to be very picky eaters (Saluki Club of America; Taylor et al.). When this is the case, adding cooked or raw meat to the dry food will often stimulate their appetite and prevent nutrient deficiencies (Saluki Club of America). If this does not help, feeding a complete raw diet would be beneficial.
Grooming
Grooming is minimal for the Saluki breed. They are generally a clean breed with little odour and oil in their coats along with short hair, except for the feathering, making maintenance simple (Saluki Club of America; Taylor et al.). Bathing is only needed on occasion and in dirty circumstances. Salukis have short hair on most of the body, and only shed minimal amounts all year long (Taylor et al.). Bi-weekly brushing is recommended on the entire body with weekly brushing of the feathering (Saluki Club of America).
